Also known as stink beetles, circus beetles and red-backed beetles, these flightless insects are found throughout the western U.S.
The life of a darkling beetle
Darkling beetles grow up to one inch long and live one to three years.
Darkling beetles often take shelter under rocks, logs and rodent burrows. They are nocturnal, avoiding high temperatures during the day and seeking food at night. They are scavengers and herbivores that feast on easily available plants and leaf litter.
During mating, females release a scent that attracts males. Darkling beetles lay eggs that hatch into larvae, which are often mistaken for wireworms. The larvae grow and develop under soil and emerge fully formed.
When threatened, darkling beetles perform a defensive behavior by raising their abdomen and spraying a bad-smelling liquid, which keeps predators away. Larger beetles are capable of spraying as far as 10 to 12 inches, several times. Predators include reptiles, spiders, rodents and birds.
Darkling beetles at the zoo
Located in the Insect Zoo.
